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Introduction to Maastricht

Introduction to Maastricht for Maastricht newbies, from Mosasaurus to today!
New to Maastricht or just want a crash course in the fascinating history of the city? We’ve got the tour for you!
On the Intro to Maastricht tour, our guide will introduce you to Maastricht and show you some of the highlights.

Easter Monday

Dutch tradition, having holy days twice; Christmas, Easter and Pentecost all result in two days off. In recent years pressure is building to transfer these second days to other religions. For now, 2nd Easter day is generally considered to be the day the Dutch go shopping for furniture.

Easter Sunday

On this day Jesus’ resurrection is celebrated, first of all by jubilant ringing of all church bells, Maastricht’s largest bell Grameer to be heard all over town. Apart from the festive Mass, there is happy stuff with chocolate bunnies and searching for hidden eggs.

Good Friday

On this day Christianity remembers Jesus’ suffering and death, with solemn readings of the gospel in churches. Traditionally, all public life would pause around 15 hrs, assumed to be the time of his death, but this is no longer the case.

White Thursday

The Thursday before Easter is marked in Christianity as the day Jesus shared a last meal with his disciples. In doing so, he started the celebration of the Eucharist, sharing bread and wine to remember him, still part of every mass today. Represented a thousand times in art history, most people nowadays no longer mark this day.

Palm Sunday

For 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 it is customary to make a ‘tree’ – also a tradition with pagan roots – which each element now a symbol of the christian faith. These are brought to the old and infirm, but ofcourse you can enjoy the special bread rooster and the chocolate eggs at home!